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Community Care Program

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"...helping older people live independently"

Established in 1979 by Public Act 81-202, the Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program helps senior citizens, who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing in-home and community-based services.

...aimed at assisting seniors to maintain their independence and providing cost effective alternatives to nursing home placement.

The Community Care Program provides services to any person who applies for the program and meets all current eligibility requirements. The Community Care Program is one of the 1915(c) waivers for home and community-based services under the Medicaid Program. For more information, visit HFS at http://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalPrograms/HCBS/Pages/default.aspx.

Who is eligible?

People who...

Are 60 years old or older;

Are U.S. citizens or legal aliens;

Are residents of Illinois;

Have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (Non-exempt assets do not include home, car, or personal furnishings.); and

Have an assessed need for long term care (to be at risk for nursing facility placement as measured by the Determination of Need (DON) assessment).NOTE: Although the level of income does not affect eligibility for the program, an income level is established for each participant to determine the participant’s ability to contribute to the cost of care.

Services

Adult Day Service

Adult Day Service is designed especially for older adults who want to remain in the community but who cannot be home alone during the day due to a physical, social and/or mental impairment. Adult day service also provides respite for family caregivers, especially those who are employed outside the home, and socialization for isolated adults. Services offered in adult day service centers include health monitoring, medication supervision, personal care and recreational/therapeutic activities. Nutritious lunches and snacks are served and special diets are provided.

Several centers may specialize in providing care to participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders while others target specific ethnic populations.

Emergency Home Response Service (EHRS) is a 24-hour emergency communication link to assistance outside the home for older adults with documented health and safety needs and mobility limitations. This service is provided by a two-way voice communication system consisting of a base unit and an activation device worn by the client that will automatically link the older adult to a professionally staffed support center.

EHRS is Community Care Program core service provided to improve the independence and safety of clients in their own homes and help reduce the need for nursing home care.

In-Home Service

This Community Care Program service provides assistance with household tasks such as cleaning, planning and preparing meals, doing laundry, and shopping and running errands. Homecare Aides also assist participants with personal care tasks such as dressing, bathing, grooming and following special diets.

There are three ways to locate an Adult Day Service Provider and/or In-Home Service Provider near you...